Malaysia
entered a new phase when Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over the country's
administration from the Barisan Nasional after GE14. This is the first change
in leadership since UMNO/BN ruled the country from independence in 1957.

With
the change in leadership, the main question is “Is Malaysia are ready to face
the global changes brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution, the US-China
trade war, and come out stronger in addressing security issues facing the
country?

The Clash

Several
scholarly views have been offered in addressing the preparedness of the country
and its peoples in facing these issues. Huntington (1996) for example states that
the problem of value collisions and clashes of civilizations will shape the
world in the 22nd century. Among the most significant conflicts that
would arise will be trade war between China and the United States. For Malaysia,
the contestations between various ethnic groups will define development in the political,
social and economic spheres. It is interesting to note that many evidences
suggest that unity in the name of ideology and politics will not last long and
will remain fluid. For example, Koreans in South and North Korea are of the
same race, but they are separated by ideology and politics. However, during the
2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, the Koreans from these two countries
are united in the name of the Korean Union because they have the same core
civilization, DNA and culture.

As
Malaysia goes through a process of change especially with the new government, Malaysians
should look forward to making this change themselves in a continuing effort to
build the country. When there is a change in government, Malaysians must also
change but not at the expense of damaging the core values of the country that
has been well grounded in the national constitution. In this issue, I bring
five elements that should be dear to every Malaysian.

Five National
Construction Elements of Malaysia

1. Patriotism

Often
debated by academics, politicians, and governments but all seem to concur that
patriotism is very important in promoting the identity of the people toward one
nation-state. However, it has been found that this patriotic spirit has
declined among many Malaysians. Studies show that this happens because of the
greater love for materialism or sometime referred to as value-based patriotism.
Patriotism is egocentric and has to do with the willingness to sacrifice and defend
national security against domestic and foreign threats. Patriotism cannot be
expressed only by abstract forms such as the flying of flags, but it should be
accompanied by value-added elements such as trust, hate of corruption and
keeping internal and external cleanliness. A simple example: does one remove
trash by throwing them out of their car window? Is this not a waste to the country?
Little thing such as the former is patriotic value that needs to be nurtured
from small. The people need to be aware that among others, patriotism
emphasizes good behavior and not just of loyalty. Patriotism must be reflected
by deeds to be demonstrable, seen and can be followed.

2. Democracy

Democracy
is a wide spread practice in many countries in the world today, though the
democratic form varies due to different historical backgrounds. In the context
of Malaysia, one that is to be praised is that Malaysians accept government
change at federal and state levels well. There were no riots and
demonstrations, but Malaysians were seen to take this change very well. The
simple concept of democracy is “a rule of the people, by the people and for the
people”. Although scholars such as Francis Fukuyama and Almond & Verba
claim that democracy does not fully satisfy all parties, the multiracial
Malaysians continue to enjoy security and well-being in their daily lives.

3. Nationalism

Among
the appropriate interpretations of nationalism is by Lord Acton (1972) who said
that nationalism is a love of and love for the country. The formation of the
soul of patriotism must be based on the spirit of nationalism. The sense of
nationalism in every individual citizen needs to be continued with the spirit of
patriotism in the love of and willingness to sacrifice for the nation. In the
context of Malaysia after PRU14, some exciting events should consider the uses
of 'we Malaysian nation,' 'we Malaysians,' 'we are Malaysian' and so on.
Malaysians must change so that our country will continue to move forward
without compromising the fundamentals as set out in the Federal Constitution.
The effort to build unity requires a new approach in line with current changes,
especially for the new generations.

4. Welfare

One
of the conditions of national security is that the well-being that must be felt
and enjoyed by all. Wellness can be seen in the context of religion, economy,
politics, and education. A simple example is in the religious context; most are
aware that Malaysia has a diversity of beliefs; today a threat from global
terrorism is threatening to compromise Malaysia's security. Security forces may
be able to monitor and control religious risks in social medias and internet,
but terrorist groups in the community are more complicated to manage. They are
not well-known, well-organized and have no early signs of being a threaten to safety
and well-being of the people until they become one, and by which time, it is a
little late to nip.

5. Unity

Given
current world development, each country appears to unite themselves with their
allies through similarity and common interests in terms of economic, political
or social matters. For example, European countries are trying to come together
to build a stronger economic community in the form of an (EEC). China is
increasingly open in all respects but has being consolidating itself with its new
initiative such as the famous Chinese Belt that spread across to Asia, Arab,
Europe and Russia. This initiative has given rise to a possible clash known
today as the Trade War.

In
Malaysia, racial conflict is small because the government has successfully
implemented various programs to thwart the former and unite the various ethnic
groups. But its success is not absolute and guaranteed because disruptive elements
are always looking for space in society to commit crimes and terrorism and therefore
derail this good effort. Risk of conflicts among multiracial peoples is a more
significant conflict because of competition in politics and economics based
along racial line. We cannot take the “wait and see” attitude because time do
not wait for bad things to happen. To ensure security of the nation, the people
need to move forward, making the ones that have passed as a guide for more
secure national security in the future.

Closing: Regional
Union

Regional
unity is fundamental in the survival of the Malaysian nation. If the Malaysian
federal system that has been set up since September 16, 1963, becomes more
relaxed, the country will face security issues. Understand that the unity of
Malaysians will bring strength, togetherness brings strength and separation will
bring weakness. If unity of the state is weak, then it is easy for our country to
slip into decline whether in politics, social and economic matter.

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The
writer’s field of study is Politics and Government and has interests on issues
relating to nation-building, national security and patriotism.